The driver, Internal Revenue Service employee Mathew Evan Goldstein, was arrested Tuesday after being stopped by Secret Service officers as he crossed the White House checkpoint. He has been charged with unlawful entry, and was set for release without bond Wednesday afternoon, though his release order requires he stay away from the White House and the surrounding area, pending further court appearances.

Mr. Goldstein could face a maximum of 180 days in prison if convicted, and a fine of up to $1,000.

Mathew Evan Goldstein was taken into custody Tuesday.

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

The charging document released Wednesday afternoon explains how Mr. Goldstein was able to get past the security perimeter, which bars cars from entering the strip of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. At 4:32 p.m., the motorcade made a left turn into the gate at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Mr. Goldstein’s car, a gray Honda Civic with a Maryland license plate, followed the final car in the motorcade so closely—less than five feet behind—that the blockades were unable to rise in time to block him from entering.

After the U.S. Secret Service arrested Mr. Goldstein, the Metropolitan Police Department arrived at the scene and declared his car safe. The Secret Service’s investigation of the driver’s motives is ongoing, but an official said he appeared to have accidentally joined the motorcade.

Mr. Goldstein couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. His next court date is set for May 21.

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Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.